no occurrence in the course of the war has given me
sensations more painful than your information of there being such ideas
in the army as those you have imparted to me and I must view them with
abhorrence and reprehend them with severity. I am much at a loss to
conceive what part of my conduct could have given encouragement to an
address which to me seems big with the greatest mischiefs which could
befall my country.'

"Is it not a sublime and wonderful thing, dear Margaret, that all our
leaders, save one, have been men as incorruptible as Stephen and Peter
and Paul?

"When I went to bed my cough became more troublesome. After it had
gone on for half an hour or so my door was gently opened and I observed
the glow of a candle. On drawing my bed curtains I saw, to my utter
astonishment, Washington standing at my side with a bowl of hot tea in
his hand. It embarrassed me to be thus waited on by a man of his
greatness.

"We set out next morning for Philadelphia to attend the Convention,
Washington riding in his coach drawn by six horses, I riding the
blaze-faced mare of destiny, still as sweet and strong as ever. A slow
journey it was over the old road by Calvert's to Annapolis,
Chestertown, and so on to the north.

"I found Franklin sitting under a tree in his dooryard, surrounded by
his grandchildren. He looks very white and venerable now. His hair is
a crown of glory."

[Illustration: Ben Franklin, surrounded by his grandchildren.]

"'Well, Jack, it has been no small part of my life-work to get you
happily married,' he began in his playful way. 'A celibate is like the
odd half of a pair of scissors, fit only to scrape a trencher. How
many babies have you?'

"'Three,' I answered.

"'It is not half enough,' said he. 'A patriotic American should have
at least ten children. I must not forget to say to you what I say to
every young man. Always treat your wife with respect. It will procure
respect for you not only from her, but from all who observe it. Never
use a slighting word.'

"My beloved, how little I need this advice you know, but I think that
the old philosopher never made a wiser observation. I am convinced
that civilization itself depends largely on the respect that men feel
and show for women.

"I asked about his health.

"'I am weary and the night is falling and I shall soon lie down to
sleep, but I know that I shall awake refreshed in the morning,' he said.

"He told me how, distre